Patrol and Investigation Frequently Asked Questions

Patrol Division - Frequently Asked Questions:

Why does it take so long for a deputy to respond to my call?
Can I repair the damage to my property?
I am out of the area, can I report a crime?
Why can’t the Sheriff's Office help me in a property or child custody dispute?
What can I do if my identity has been stolen?
What can I do about harassment?
I am being pulled over; can I wait for a safe place?
What can the Sheriff's Office do about loose animals?
Can I report something anonymously?
What should I do if I see a crime in progress?
What can I do to prevent a burglary?
What can I do if I have a complaint against a deputy?

Why does it take so long for a deputy to respond to my call?
The Communications Center prioritizes all incoming calls to the center. We pride ourselves on our generally fast response times to all calls, but at peak times the priority system will affect our response time. Simply put our priorities are as follows:
1. "In progress" threat of injury or to life.
2. "In progress" threat to property.
3. Credible threats to life or property that have not occurred.
4. "After the fact" type incidents.
5. Other public safety incidents.

Can I repair the damage to my property?
Attempt to leave any damage to your property in an as found condition. This allows our deputies to photograph any marks left by a suspect.

I am out of the area, can I report a crime?
The Sheriff's Office is aware that many properties in Aitkin County are seasonal and sometimes your neighbor will call owners to report break-ins. We will respond to document damage as a result of entry but are unable to document missing property. Property owners are expected to provide a list of missing items due to burglary.

Why can't the Sheriff's Office help me in a property or child custody dispute?
By law, the Sheriff's Office can only enforce laws enacted by the state or county and the decisions of the courts. Disputes between parties must be settled through the court system and then enforced by the Sheriff's Office.

What can I do if my identity has been stolen?
1. Cancel your credit and debt cards.
2. Contact banks and credit unions where you have accounts.
3. Contact credit bureaus.

What can I do about harassment?
Contact the Sheriff's Office to begin a report to document the incident. We may suggest to apply for a Harassment Restraining Order or Order for Protection. If you feel that you or your family is in serious danger, find a trusted friend or family member you can stay with or contact the Aitkin Advocates Against Domestic Abuse at 218-927-2723.

I am being pulled over; can I wait for a safe place?
You should pullover at the FIRST possible safe place. A safe place is defined as a portion or the road that allows you to pull out of the travel lane on to the shoulder of the road. We do not advocate waiting for a well lit area due to the rural nature of our county.

What can the Sheriff's Office do about loose animals?
There are NO animal control ordinances in Aitkin County. We will make an effort to contact the owner of the animal, but we can not pickup strays. In the case of threatening behavior by dogs, the dangerous dog statutes will apply and action will occur.

Can I report something anonymously?
Of course, though we may ask you to leave your name and contact number for follow-up. We never release the name of an informant to the public until such time as court proceedings occur.

What should I do if I see a crime in progress?
Do not attempt to stop the incident. Call 9-1-1 and report the incident. Remember, descriptions of the people involved, clothing, weapons or vehicles involved and direction of travel if they left. If the dispatcher must disconnect, call back to add more information, if you see something more.

What can I do to prevent a burglary?
Most burglars can and will enter buildings no matter how secure they are. Property owners can minimize their losses with some fairly simple planning:
1. Develop relationships with your neighbors; they are by far the biggest deterrent to burglaries.
2. Remove all items of value from a building which will remain vacant for a period of time.
3. Do not leave in a visible location any recreational equipment, ATV's, snowmobiles, boats or cars.
4. Close all shades and curtains to prevent someone from looking in your house.

What can I do if I have a complaint against a deputy?
The Sheriff expects professional and courteous behavior from his staff. The reality of law enforcement is that the public expectations and the legal expectations of the office may not be one and the same. If you have comments or concerns about how the staff treated you or your case, please contact Sheriff Scott Turner or Undersheriff John Drahota.